Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days Collaboration Wrap-Up

My Dearest Friends,

I am both excited and sad to share this wrap-up post of the Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days Collaboration. It was a lot of fun, and while I am sad to see it end, I am even more excited about the initiatives and projects I am working on, which you will learn more about in the near future.

First, letโ€™s take a quick look at the gorgeous poetry that each of the writers created for the 30/30 collaboration.

Hot Ashes, by Benjamin Nambu

Something Stuck, Tricia Sankey

Love and Pain, Isama Peace

Winter Sunshine and You, by Sadjeย 

My Blood, by Eunice Aformanor

The Butterfly Poet, by Paula Light

Fireflies, by Punam

By the Ocean, Daphny

The Origin of Love, by Cassa Bassa

Scattered Sakura, by C.X. Turner

The Desert Dance, by Cindy Geogakas

Forevermore, by Kirsten Curcio

Flint and Feathers, by Lisa Walker

Butterflies Blue, by Shruthi Senthilkumar

Love to Love, Stays, by Dawn Minott

Divine Flight, by Jaya Avendel

The Resurrection of Red, by Camellia

Stay Away, by Spriha Kant

Fruitful, by Grace Y. Estevez โ€“ Reddy

Orange Sky, by Cassa Bassa

Tuned Impulse, by Anca Horga

The butterfly effect, by Komaljeet Kaur

Gift From The Sea, by Selma Martin

The Flush of Fall, by K. Hartless

I would like to thank all of these wonderful poets and friends again for collaborating with me, and for sharing their talent, and hearts with all of us. I remain honored you chose to submit and to have your gorgeous poetry here.

As always, thank you to all of you for always being here, for your friendship, and loving support.

Have a gorgeous coming week.

All my love and blessings,

Jeff


Jeff Flesch

Author, #1 Amazon New Release Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow

Co-Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

Author of the Month, Jan/Feb 2022, Spillwords Press


#poetry, #30-poems-in-30-days, #appreciation, #blogging, #collaboration, #community, #connection, #friends, #grateful, #inspiration, #kidness, #naturespeaks, #poem, #poets, #writers, #writing

The Month in Review, February 2022: At Home & Work, My Debut Poetry Book, A Spillwords Nomination & A Poem, and Spark

At Home & Work

Photo by 422737, Pixabay

At home this month, Iโ€™ve been continuing to stay vigilant about the pandemic, which simply means that I am home often. The paradox about this reality is that the State of Oregon recently announced that they will be lifting the mask mandate by the end of March.

The news about lifting the mask mandate fills me with excitement and anxiety, which is very normal as these two emotions are closely related to each other. I also know wearing a mask is an individual choice, and I will continue to wear my mask until I choose differently.

Exciting news came by way of my oldest son Justin this month, as I learned that he has been placed at Mercedes Benz for his second and last University internship. Justin is extremely excited, and I am as proud as a parent can be.

The team and I have also just recently produced the Spring Term schedule of classes, which is always a lot of work, and is an exciting time in the department. Lastly, Iโ€™ve been preparing to welcome our new hire to the team, which will occur in about two weeks.ย 

All in all, itโ€™s been super busy, and, yep, super fun.

My Debut Poetry Book

Photo by Mysticsartdesign, Pixabay

As you all know, Iโ€™ve been contemplating compiling and publishing a debut poetry book for some time.

When I learned about Ingrid Wilsonโ€™s new endeavor with Experiments in Fiction, which you can read more about here, it felt like the perfect opportunity and partnership.

Ingrid and I have signed an agreement, which means that sometime this fall/winter my debut poetry book will be available. I will keep you all updated as this moves forward.ย 

I am so excited!

A Spillwords Nomination & A Poem

I was elated to find out Saturday that I was nominated for Author of the Month at Spillwords Press. If you have a moment, I would be honored if you would go here and cast your vote. Thank you!

Voting is open through Monday, February 28.

Spark

Phtoto by guvo59, Pixabay

Iโ€™ve been reflecting upon and contemplating the concept of Spark the past two weeks. The concept arose organically within the team about two weeks ago.ย 

In the youth developmental literature, Spark is associated with the Thriving theoretical framework. In short, developing a youthโ€™s spark is positively correlated with thriving indicators and outcomes.ย 

The above referenced article is decent, and here is a short two page theoretical framework, which includes the definition of spark listed below, developed by my graduate school advisor, Mary E. Arnold.

โ€œA spark is a passion for a self- identified interest or skill, or a capacity that metaphorically lights a fire in a young personโ€™s life, providing energy, joy, purpose, and directionโ€ โ€” Mary E. Arnold

Oregon State University 4-H

What does all this mean?

Pragmatically, it simply means that when a person is ignited and excited from within, they feel better, and are more engaged and empowered.

Itโ€™s a very important practice to develop this kind of excitement on teams and within organizations. Actually itโ€™s important for each of us as human beings on this planet to make sure our spark is always ignited, which is why I wanted to write about it this month.

If you have a spark and know what it is, amazing; if not, you can develop it at any time, and if your spark has dwindled, which happens, you can also reignite it at any time.

Spark is not a static concept, following a linear trajectory. Passion and excitement wax and wane, and they also change directions; and, that is okay. Whatโ€™s most important is to always fuel our passion for life; and when that passion wanes, to reimagine and reignite it.

Photo by oleg_mitย , Pixabay

I felt impelled to write here that I stand with the citizens of Ukraine, and vehemently oppose the actions Russia is taking. Strength and power come through peace and love, not through war and violence. The latter are the products of egotism and narcissism, the former, of beauty and solidarity.

My love, blessings, and prayers for safety go out to everyone in Ukraine.

Alright, thatโ€™s all for this month.

Sending you all love, and wishing you a beautifully blessed March.


#poetry, #blogging, #debut-poetry-book, #education, #experimentsinfiction, #february, #humandevelopment, #leadershipdevelopment, #peace, #poem, #publishing, #review, #safety, #spark, #thirving, #youth-development

A Few Reflections on 2021, Contemplations on 2022, and a Twitter Poem

As I reflect upon 2021 and contemplate 2022, there are so many wonderful things to write about. Choosing among them is difficult, yet worthwhile. Letโ€™s take a quick look at this past year.

2021

Living Alone

Personally, this past year was one in which I learned about living alone. Now that the boys are grown, and I am recently divorced, after being married for over 20 years, living alone has been painful and beautiful. Both, wouldnโ€™t you know.

Itโ€™s been a time of great reflection for me, contemplating my life up to this point. A time of grieving, and a time of great joy. Iโ€™ve learned more about myself as a human being on this planet this past year than I have in the past 20 years. Solitude is like that. A gift.

I am looking forward to more time alone, and to the learning that comes as the days, weeks, and months unfold this next year. I look forward to all of it.

The Team

The team is healthy and well, and is, quite frankly, one of the best noncredit education teams in the State of Oregon. Some would argue in the Nation; and, I wouldnโ€™t argue, as it is quite possibly true.

Weโ€™ve been through a lot as a team these past 4.5 years, and the resiliency, innovation, and heart this team has displayed and continues to display is astonishing.

We are currently working on many new projects, the output of which will continue to increase access to education for many populations that face barriers to education in this country. That we continue to create bridges to education for our local community, and across the state, nation, and globe through our new remote program models fills my heart with joy.

The Blog

Well, if someone would have told me in the summer of 2020 that at the close of 2021 the blog would have acquired almost 2,400 followers, which it has, I would have listened carefully, yet would have set a more realistic goal, which I did.

My goal to close this year was 1,600 followers, and we have surpassed this number quite substantially, and I owe that to each of you. You have built this blog and the wonderfully thriving space we share together, and I honor and appreciate each of you for being here.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me, and for creating a space full of love, light, and compassion.

Writing

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that I would be writing poetry at the rate I am today. Writing poetry began in the summer of 2020 as a way to continue to process my own internal work, which is a part of my spiritual practice.

It started with a poem I wrote in response to another blog, I think, and from there began to blossom in my mind and heart, and today, I write poetry all day. Seriously. You should see the post-itโ€™s I have laid out everywhere. Itโ€™s quite comical, and lovely.

This year I was blessed to be a part of our beloved Asthaโ€™s Anthology, Utmost Feelings, and several other Anthologies through True Dreamster. I was also blessed to have been published at Spillwords Press three times, at Word Weavings, and at MasticadoresUSA, and MasticadoresIndia, several times each. As you know, I am now a regular monthly contributor to MasticadoresIndia, which is a dream come true.

I am grateful to each of these wonderful editors for believing in my work, and for supporting me. They are amazingly talented people, and I am lucky to know them and to have my work published in their respective publications.

2022

I look forward to this coming year and know that there will be challenges, just as there will be many blessings. Iโ€™ve learned a lot this year, and I am grateful for each lesson.

I plan to continue to learn more about myself this year, continuing to dive deep within, uncovering more aspects of my human beingness, and the love I have for everyone and everything on this planet.

The team will continue to thrive and grow this year, as we set our sights on making 2022 another year of exceeding service capacities to our local community, by making noncredit education available to everyone, everywhere.

The blog will see a lot more poetry this coming year, and will likely see the Bloggerโ€™s Diary post continue, yet I am reflecting upon iterating the latter. Iโ€™ve not yet had the insight needed to do so, however, so we will see.

I am currently looking for new publications to submit poetry to this next year, and have already happened upon one, which I will submit to soon. I was planning to compile a book over this winter break, alas, that is not going to happen. Thus, it may be in 2022 that a debut book is forthcoming. All I can write now is that I will know when the time is right.

I am closing this 2021 reflection and 2022 contemplation with a Twitter poem.

as the earth swallows me whole
it is our love to
behold

a spotlight drowned

like
in the east
the sun rising &
the love deep within me
arising

a destiny ground
as mind & heart
are brokered with peace
no sound

needed
for it is in this display
of love where we are
found

You can see the original Twitter poem here, amongst other poems, and follow me on Twitter here.

I want to thank each of you again for being a part of my life. Being here is a blessing, and I cherish each interaction I have with you. You are appreciated immensely.

Alright, thatโ€™s all for now.

May the New Year bring you joy, peace, love, and many blessings.

Sending you all my love.


Photo by Tumisu, Pixabay

Photo by MAKY_OREL, Pixabay


#poetry, #2021, #2022, #blogging, #contemplations, #development, #leadership, #life, #love, #masticadoresindia, #masticadoresusa, #noncrediteducation, #poems, #publications, #reflections, #spillwords, #wordweavings, #writing, #year-in-review

A Bloggerโ€™s Diary 11/7/21: On the Week, Writing and Reflecting, Social Media, the Coast, and the Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: | Love Poems and Poetic Prose Contest

The Week

Photo by RandallBillings, Pixabay

Well, we are now five weeks into the fall term, and having face-to-face classes for the first time in 22 months. It is both wonderful, and a bit stressful. Thus far, things are going well, and we are now planning to double the amount of face-to-face classes for winter term. All the while realizing that at any moment these classes may need to be switched to remote delivery. We will see.

Iโ€™ve also been working on a new partnership with a regional corporation for employee training, which I am excited about. The training program would increase access to education and employment for many in the local workforce. A wonderful opportunity.

Writing and Reflecting

Photo by Nile, Pixabay

As you all know, my focus, passion, and creative energies are still focused on poetry, and I donโ€™t see that changing anytime soon. I am in love with the creative process that has developed within me over the last year, and actually have amassed quite a lot of poetry, which may serve as the basis of a book.

I am planning to reflect upon the book, which does already have a title, and go through all of my poems over the winter holidays; the idea being that a book may take form sometime in the spring.

Of all the poems that have been published over the past month or so, unknown, and already unbound, and dusty, and delicious, are the two Iโ€™ve chosen to write about today.

The poem unknown, already, unbound, was a concept that occurred to me while reflecting on my dreams and how worlds (and our associated realities) are socially constructed through our perceptions. Meaning, that, though weโ€™ve always been unbound and limitless, conditioning and socialization creates perspectives of limitation and boundness, if you will.

However, when we recognize that we are just like the tree, the sapling, and the seed, unbound, and already always walking into the unknown, so much of life becomes available. Increasing our awareness of these truths, creates a world, reality, and visceral experience of aliveness. Is beautiful.

The poem dusty, and delicious, was inspired by the WDYS#103 photo prompt from Keep it Alive, by Sadje. I think it is pretty obvious from the poem that the inspiration was, in fact, a reflection of my time as a child living in Los Angeles. My parents would always get donuts on Sunday mornings, and I would await the delivery of these tasty treats with bated breath. Seriously!

Reminiscing about my childhood and writing the poem was much fun, and, well, tasty, even. Ha!

Social Mediaย 

Photo by geralt, Pixabay

In my last diary entry, I wrote about posting on more social media sites, Insta and Twitter more specifically; and that is now happening. I am getting the hang of both of these platforms, with, of course, support from some of our dear blogger friends โ€“ thank you!

These social media platforms are quite different from each other. With Instagram, I plan to continue to post each time I post on WP; yet with Twitter, itโ€™s a completely different strategy.ย 

There is a 280 character limit on Tweets, which makes writing a complete poem a challenge, which is the fun of it. I am committed to writing one โ€œTwitter Poemโ€ each day through the rest of this calendar year.

Here is an example of one of my recent Twitter Poems.

love lives
in the unseen,
in the moments
in between, in the stars, and
galaxies, inside of you and me, and
in every living thing,
seenโ€ฆ

Super fun. Iโ€™ve connected with some of you on both of these social media platforms, yet, if weโ€™ve not yet connected, I invite you to follow me, and then, of course I will follow back. You can reach me on Instagram here, and on Twitter here.

The Coast

Photo by agape357, Pixabay

As most of you know, I love the ocean; and, I am taking a trip to the coast in about two weeks. I am super excited. I am staying in a different town this time called Waldport, which is just next door to Yachats, which is one of my favorite places on the Oregon coast.

Of course, I will take lots of pictures while I am there, and will post about the trip when I am back. Itโ€™s been a while since Iโ€™ve been to the coast, and I am eager. When you grow up close to the coast, or the beach, sea, or whatever the ocean is called where you live, you yearn to be with the water, the waves, the salty air and mist, and the wondrous sea life. I cannot wait.

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: | Love Poems and Poetic Prose Contest

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: | Love Poems and Poetic Prose

I wanted to take a moment here to thank Gabriela Marie Milton, and to congratulate all of the finalist of the Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: | Love Poems and Poetic Prose Contest.

I am deeply touched and honored to be a finalist in this contest, and to be included in a list of such talented poets. I am humbled. Much love to all of my fellow poets, and to Gabriela for being such a wonderful support to our lovely community.

Alright, thatโ€™s all for this week.

Have a beautifully blessed week, everyone.


#poetry, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #keep-it-alive, #limitless, #perception, #poem, #reality, #reflecting, #reminiscence, #short-prose, #socialconstruction, #writing

A Bloggerโ€™s Diary 10/3/21: On the Week, Writing and Reflecting, Publications and A Poem, WordPress, and Self-expression๏ฟผ

The week

Over the past couple of weeks, the team has been preparing for school to begin, which means the registration team has been, is, well, super duper busy, which is awesome. Instructors are prepping for classes, as the rest of the staff are doing things like, getting computers out to in-person locations for late registrations, and supporting instructors as and where needed.ย 

Itโ€™s been an amazing couple of weeks, filled with registration numbers the likes of which we havenโ€™t seen since prior to the pandemic. Amazing.

The past couple of weeks, Iโ€™ve also been reflecting upon the concept of self-expression in relation to human beingness; and, then in relation to leadership more specifically. Iโ€™ll have a little more to write about that in a moment. First, letโ€™s take a quick look at some writing reflections from the past couple of weeks.

Writing and Reflecting

About two months ago now, I switched my blogging schedule. Previous to that time, I was posting every day, which just became too much to manage. Now, I am posting an average of 4 to 5 times a week, and that is working well for now.ย 

Iโ€™ve been thinking of possibly reducing it to 3 to 4 times a week, yet, we will see.

Iโ€™ve been writing a lot, as I always do; sometimes that means I write a poem each day, sometimes 3 or 4. It depends.ย 

Most of my poems over the past couple of weeks have taken love at their center, which is, well, quite wonderful. I never really know what is going to come from my heart, through my fingers, and onto the page youโ€™re reading; really, I never really do.

I usually begin with a concept, or more likely, a sentence or two, and go from there. It is so much fun.ย 

For instance, the poem heart-related centeredness was a response to the WDYS photo prompt, hosted by Sadje, from Keep it Alive. I love to participate in this prompt, as I am able. The photo, to me, sparked an immediate response about the connectedness of all that we see, sky, clouds, sea, and, well, you; and me, of course. It just works that way for me today; it is what I see and feel.

And, the poem referenced above, from my heart, and through my fingers, was literally a reflection on the process of writing from my heart; and how it feels to me. Is simple, and quite beautiful to me.ย 

Iโ€™ve also been blessed with another publishing opportunity, and have just heard back from Spillwords Press on one other submission. How fun!

Publications and A Poem

Iโ€™m super excited about being a part of the first ever Word Weaving โ€“ A Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse, the kindle version of which is available now. You can access it from the link above. If you are interested, you can also learn more at the word weaving blog.

I also just learned that my poem, Smoulder Now and Forever, has been accepted by Spillwords Press. Excited. When the poem is scheduled for publication, I will let you all know.

I also have a few more pieces coming up in both MasticadoresUSA, and MasticadoresIndia. When those are scheduled for publication, I will also let you know.ย 

If youโ€™ve not yet checked out these cool publication houses, please do so when you have time. Amazing people, and talented writers. Much fun!

Oh, before I forget, here is one of the poems that wasnโ€™t accepted recently. I am including it here, well, because it reminds me of some of my recent reflections on the moon, which has been so beautiful in the night sky recently.

Dazzling delight

the moon

dazzling delight

transformed ages of night

called on by gods and goddesses

alike

WordPress

Alright, in my last diary entry, several of us had a conversation about blogs that we follow not showing up in our reader. I did contact WP, after some coaching from our friend Cindy, from Unique Times with Cindy, thank you, dear Cindy, and here is what I learned.

There is no solution at WP for this issue. Their suggestion was to do, well, what most of us already know how to do, which is unfollow, and then refollow. Usually this will work, and the blog posts will once again begin to show in our reader.

Therefore, I will be unfollowing and refollowing some of you. We will see how that works.

Self Expression

The past couple of weeks, Iโ€™ve also been reflecting upon self-expression. As a human being on this planet, it is so important to be fully self-expressed. I know this, as I spent some years not being fully self-expressed.

When we are fully self-expressed, we get out all of the ideas, concepts, and love we have for life. We experience aliveness, through the difficulty and ease that comes with life. And, for me, itโ€™s inside of this aliveness, through all that we receive from life, where the beauty for and of life lives.ย 

It is interesting to write about self-expression within a beautiful community that self-expresses continuously; yet, what I also know about being a human being on this planet, is that even those of us who are fully self-expressed, have times when we feel not fully self-expressed.

In those moments, I usually take a walk, sit quietly, and just detach myself from all things. Inside of this space lives the possibility of reconnecting within, which for me, means insights will arise, and self-expression will follow.

Alright, thatโ€™s all for this entry.

Have a beautifully blessed week, everyone.


#poetry, #abloggersdiary, #blogging, #diary, #education, #leadership, #poems, #publications, #reflecting, #selfexpression, #wordpress, #writing

A Bloggerโ€™s Diary 9/12/21: On the Week, Writing and Reflecting, The Garden, WordPress, Site Changes, and Gratitude

The Week

Itโ€™s been a couple weeks since Iโ€™ve posted a diary entry, and in the past four weeks, there have been some developments with the garden and to my site, which I am excited to relate; and, I also have a question for you about WordPress. More on that in a moment.

First, letโ€™s take a look at some writing reflections.

Writing and Reflecting

Photo by Jr Korpa on Unsplash

Iโ€™ve published several poems in the past four weeks, many of them taking love as their central theme or concept.

The poem, shaded in love, we agree, was a reflection upon my time living in the desert. Iโ€™ve been fortunate to live in several types of geographies, and the desert is among them, and holds a special place in my heart.

Sometimes people conflate the desert with barrenness, and the poem was an ode, if you will, to the splendor of the desert landscape, which I miss. There is something magical about being in the desert, especially at sunrise and sunset. The beauty is magnificent.

The poem, just like a star spangled night, was part of a much larger reflection about living life with an open heart. As Iโ€™ve written about in many posts and poems, living life with an open heart today is a blessing, and I am grateful to many people, especially, my life coach and teacher, for showing me a different way to understand the world, and our place in it.

Itโ€™s taken a lot of internal work, and, yet, what I understand today, is that all of my life happened just as it was supposed to. Exactly as it was supposed to; and, I am blessed with many different levels of understanding today because of all of the paths Iโ€™ve traveled. They were all needed, and are all important.

The Garden

Well, itโ€™s also been a while since Iโ€™ve updated you on the garden, which is continuing to produce, and has been so much fun.

Here is a pic of some tomatoes I pulled last week.

Corvallis, Oregon 2021

Coming soon, broccolini, one of my favs!

WordPress

Over the past two months, Iโ€™ve had several regular readers send me messages that my posts are not showing up in their WP Reader. I actually emailed WP about this issue, and have yet to hear back.

The only workaround I know for this type of issue, which Iโ€™ve used before, is to unfollow the blog, and then refollow, which got me thinking.

Might any of you know of other workarounds to mitigate this issue? If so, I would love to read about them in the comments section, or, if you prefer, you can email me, thank you!

Site Changes

Earlier this year, I created a goal to make some changes to the site; and, Iโ€™ve finally made some of those changes.

I wanted to mention the changes here, in the event you notice anything that is not working well, or you have any suggestions, which may improve your experience. If so, please do let me know, thank you.

Gratitude

The week-beginning message I scheduled to go out to the team last week, was about gratitude; and the deep gratitude I have for everyone in my life.

My life has been, and is, blessed with connections to amazing people; and, today I am connected to many, many, more amazing people.

I think it is important to pause each day, and reflect upon the impact we make with our lives, and about the connections we have. They are so important.

In fact, I believe that human connection is one of the most important aspects of being alive. Experiencing aliveness is, for me, about being deeply connected to yourself, and then to those that you choose to surround yourself with every day.

Therefore, on this beautiful Sunday afternoon, I am feeling deep gratitude for everyone in my life; my family, my friends, the team I work with, the community I live in, and, each and every one of you. Very grateful.

Thank you for being just as you are, and for being there, and supporting my work. It means the world to me.

Have a beautifully blessed week everyone.


#aliveness, #blessed, #blogging, #connection, #diary, #gardening, #gratitude, #heart, #humanity, #life, #love, #reflection, #wordpress, #writing

Sunshine Blogger Award

I am honored to have received the Sunshine Blogger Award nomination from two lovely bloggers; Lauren, of Lauren M Hancock Poetry and Prose, and Ahiri, of AhiriCreates. Thank you, Lauren, and thank you, Ahiri.

Iโ€™ve been following Lauren for a while now, and love the poetry and prose that Lauren creates; and, though Iโ€™ve only been following Ahiri for a little while, I am truly blessed to have found Ahiriโ€™s site, which is full of inspirational content. Both, amazing bloggers! If youโ€™ve not yet checked out their sites, please do so. Thank you.

Alright, here we go. Rules first.

  1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog.
  2. Answer the 11 questions sent by the person who nominated you.
  3. Nominate 11 new bloggers to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
  4. List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or your blog.
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

Laurenโ€™s Questions

  1. How do you deal with regretful situations?
    1. I donโ€™t spend a lot of time in a regretful state today. However, that was not always the case. At one time, regretfulness was a state I spent a lot of time in; yet, I was unaware, which means there was quite a lot of pain. Today, if a situation occurs that feels not so good, I inquire right away, and if there is something I need to take action on, I do so immediately.ย 
  2. What is a joyous moment for you?
    1. The birth of my two beautiful sons. Both moments that were completely joyous, and paradoxically so, stressful! They are amazing young men.
  3. When youโ€™re inspired to write, is it in a frenzy or a controlled manner, how do the words flow onto the page?
    1. Depends. Sometimes the words just pour out; and they might start pouring out when Iโ€™m driving, which can be challenging! Iโ€™ve learned to take notes throughout the day as insights occur. At other times, the process is more gradual. Meaning, Iโ€™ll have a concept in mind, will pull up a document, and see if anything comes. Usually the words do come; yet, sometimes they donโ€™t. Iโ€™ve learned both are okay.
  4. What is the most important object in your life, and what significance does it hold for you?
    1. Hmmm. I have some photos and artwork in my apartment, which all hold significance for me. Pictures of the boys, spiritual and devotional pieces, and then a piece of artwork a good friend of mine made for me. The significance is that there is a person or concept behind each pic or piece of artwork that I love, and they hold a special place in my heart.
  5. Are you a coffee or a tea person?
    1. Tea, please. ๐Ÿ™‚
  6. What would be your ideal way to enjoy a Sunday?
    1. Meditating, writing, walking, enjoying time with people I love.
  7. Name one hobby that you enjoy and why.
    1. I love to write! Hahaha. Alright, something other than writing. Letโ€™s see. I love to hike and work in my garden. Thatโ€™s two!
  8. Share a treasured memory of yours?
    1. The one that comes to mind was a family trip we took in 2013 to the east coast. The boys were much younger then, and we spent 10 days in Philadelphia, Washington DC, and New York. As a west coaster, Iโ€™ve not spent as much time on the east coast, and I love it. We had a grand time.
  9. Name a favourite song of yours from a musical.
    1. I Dreamed a Dream, Les Miserables.
  10. Would you consider yourself an extrovert or introvert?
    1. Both! I love people, and love being around people; yet, as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), I have a deep internal life, which is very important to me. Meaning, I need time away from everyone and everything. Time to pause, breathe, and reflect.ย 
  11. And does this affect the way you write for your blog?
    1. Oh, yes, absolutely. For me, internal processing, introspection and contemplation, the stillness and quietness of our beingness, is where creativity and innovation reside.ย 
Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash

Ahiriโ€™s Questions

  1. Whatโ€™s your reason behind diving in the ocean of Blogging?
    1. When the pandemic first started, I began to look for another creative outlet, as work at that time was a little slower (that, as you all know did not last long), and it had been several years since completing my graduate studies, and I was longing to write. Write about my practical experiences. Thus, blogging started for me. Itโ€™s been an amazing experience, and I love blogging more today than ever before.
  2. The most favourite book of yours and WHY SHOULD OTHERS GIVE IT A TRY?
    1. Ah! This is a hard one; Iโ€™ve read so many books. Hmmm. Iโ€™ll need to choose two. Here we go.
      1. The Bhagavad Gita
        1. Why?
          1. The Gita is one of the most profound books Iโ€™ve ever read and experienced. I use the concept experience intentionally, as the relationship to the concepts and content within the Gita to everyday life is profound. For me, reading the Gita is an experience of life, all aspects of life.
      2. The House of Spirits
        1. Why?
          1. First, itโ€™s a book Iโ€™ve read recently; second, because Isabel Allende is a master of language. The House of Spirits, though quite violent in parts, is one of the most elegantly written books Iโ€™ve ever read.ย 
  3. Tell us something which a lot of people think about you is true but actually isnโ€™t that true
    1. When people learn what I do for a living, working in Educational Leadership in higher education, they sometimes assume I followed the โ€œtraditionalโ€ pathway through school, which is not true. I spent 16 years in the private sector before going to University at 33, and didnโ€™t finish my degrees until I was 42!ย 
  4. Which do you favour the most: Solo travelling or Group/Family travelling?
    1. Iโ€™ve not done a lot of solo-traveling; yet that is now changing. As I wrote about in a post a couple of weeks ago, I have a three-year plan to visit places Iโ€™ve always wanted to see and experience โ€“ Europe, India, and Japan, which starts next year!ย 
  5. One of the most impractical imaginations of yours you wish could be somehow fulfilled?
    1. I am living out all of my dreams and creating the necessary activity to realize the ones on my imaginations list! The one that comes to mind most right now, is living in another country. That will likely happen in the next 5โ€™ish years; and, I would like that country to be India.ย 
  6. Is there anything you still regret for, that youโ€™ve done?
    1. Iโ€™ve worked through a lot of regret in the past 4 years; so, today, there is nothing that I am present to that I regret. However, I am always discovering new aspects of myself. If regret does arise, I inquire into the regret, and work through the pain, whether that be grief, sadness, remorse, or whatever other emotion may be there.ย 
  7. What are you: Mountain person, beach person or a forest lover?
    1. Ha! All three. I really do love all three; and, I also love the desert. Each of these landscapes hold a different experiential promise. And, Iโ€™m lucky enough to have lived in all three environments for considerable amounts of time. Alright, now that that is clear, the beach is my absolute favorite!ย 
  8. Any moment/incident when you felt โ€œRight now, Iโ€™m the luckiest one on Earthโ€
    1. Right now! Seriously, I consider each moment precious, a divine gift on this beautiful planet, getting to type into this document about myself, acknowledging two lovely bloggers for nominating me for this wonderful award. Lucky, indeed!ย 
  9. Whatโ€™s your next short term goal youโ€™re working on?
    1. Regaining more range of motion in my left shoulder. As Iโ€™ve written about before, I was diagnosed with a frozen shoulder a few months ago, and have been in PT since that time. Itโ€™s slow going, yet my range is much improved and the pain has subsided a bit, which is great.ย 
  10. Which is that place, you already have visited and wanna visit again?
    1. New York City, for sure. Though Iโ€™ve been there before, itโ€™s been a long time, and I would love to spend time there exploring all there is to experience. Growing up in Los Angeles, means I have a special place in my heart for large metropolitan cities; and, though Iโ€™ve not lived in a large city for, well, over 13 years, the diversity and cultural richness of larger cities resides in my heart.
  11. Do you believe in ghosts?
    1. I love this question, Ahiri! There is no way for me to not believe. Meaning, I have the visceral understanding today that we, as human beings, know so little of all that is knowable, so to not believe in ghosts would be folly.ย 

Wow! That was so much fun. I would like to once again thank Ahiri, of AhiriCreates, and Lauren, of Lauren M Hancock Poetry and Prose. Ahiri and Lauren are inspirational bloggers, and I do hope you will check out their sites.

As you all know, I donโ€™t nominate individual bloggers for awards, as you are all inspirational and deserving. Therefore, I choose to invite each of you to respond to either Laurenโ€™s or Ahiriโ€™s questions if you would like.

Alright, have a beautiful and blessed coming week everyone!


#blogging, #books, #gita, #goals, #hobby, #imagination, #inspiration, #joy, #memory, #musical, #nominations, #regret, #sunshinebloggeraward

A Bloggerโ€™s Diary 8/22/21: On the Week, Writing, Reflecting, and New Publications, Books Arrived, and Social Media Poetry

The Week

This week the team continued to prepare for the fall term, which starts in 5 weeks. Hard to believe, yet itโ€™s true.

We also finished the fall schedule this week, and I am quite pleased with it. The team always works hard on the schedule, and we do so, well, 4 times a year; it is a drumbeat, if you will, that we have gotten pretty good at. Fun.

Lots of writing this week, which is always fun, and many reflections.

Writing, Reflecting and New Publications

This week was full of writing that poured from the heart, as it always does, and was centered on love. The love that emanates from me today is quite profound, and is amazing to experience.

The poem brushed ourselves with the winds, was a poem that was reflective of the deep love I have for nature and this planet. Iโ€™ve spent a lot of time in, and with, nature, and I love the feeling of being among the trees as the winds come up, and mingle with the trees in, what for me is, an exquisite dance. It is so beautiful.

The poem I await your warm embrace was a reflection of a lifetime of watching, being in relationship with, and loving many people on this beautiful planet. Human beings are a treasure, and being in relationship with people, the sharing, caring, creating, living, and loving of people, and with people, are among the most important experiences of our lifetimes. Really.

Iโ€™m pleased to announce that 4 more poems have been accepted for publication in the past two weeks. Two poems will appear in MasticadoresUSA, edited by Gabriela Marie Milton; and, two will appear in MasticadoresIndia, edited by Terveen Gill. I am super excited, and would like to again thank Gabriela, Terveen, and their respective teams. I invite you, if youโ€™ve not already done so, to visit the former, MasticadoresUSA, and visit the latter, MasticadoresIndia, once it is launched on September 1. Thank you.

When the poems are published, I will let you all know. Exciting.

Books Arrived

Photo by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash

I ordered several books a couple of weeks ago. These books hold a special place in my heart, as they have all been written by blogosphere friends. It is such a treat.

Here are the books that arrived.

โ€ข The Anthropocene Hymnal, edited by Ingrid Wilson
โ€ข Woman: Splendor and Sorrow Love Poems and Poetic Prose, by Gabriela Marie Milton
โ€ข The Waking Dream, by Grace (Ace) Hakopian
โ€ข A Little Bit of Everything, by Gayatri Bagyatkar
โ€ข The Comfort Book, by Matt Haig (a recommendation from my dear friend, Diana Menezes)

Iโ€™ll be enjoying these lovely works of art in the coming weeks. Beautiful people, inspiring writing.

Social Media Poetry

Iโ€™ve been reflecting more about writing some shorter pieces of poetry for social media, such as Instagram and, maybe Twitter. Therefore, this week, I am leaving you with a short poem on living and loving, titled live again.

Made with Canva and Prisma

Stay healthy and well, and have a blessed week, everyone.


#poetry, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #books, #friends, #life, #love, #poem, #reflecting, #socialmedia, #writing

A Bloggerโ€™s Diary 8/8/21: On the Week, Writing and Reflecting, Portland, and Living Life as it Comes

The Week

This past week has been full of more change, as the delta variant continues to spread in the State, new cases are being reported regularly, and those vaccinated and unvaccinated are becoming infected. Scary, yet the current reality.

What does this mean for the teamโ€™s fall term in-person classes? I have no idea. We have a plan, and will execute on this plan, as possible, and if not? We will pivot, as weโ€™ve done so many times in the past 16 months. Like we all have.

Alright, though a precarious time here locally, and across the globe, it does remind me of a reflection of mine from last week. Taking life as it comes, which Iโ€™ll write more about in a moment.

First, letโ€™s take a look at some writing reflections from this past week.

Writing and Reflecting

Photo by Pepe Reyes on Unsplash

This week, the poem The Brilliance of Life, was published in MasticadoresUSA; thank you again, Gabriela and team. A true honor.

I also found out this week that MasticadoresIndia will launch September 1, and will be edited by Terveen Gill. I am super excited for MasticadoresIndia, and for Terveen. Amazing.

Alright, poem reflections, here we go.

The poem, The Brilliance of Life, like many of the poems that come forth today, was a reflection and reminiscence on working through layers and layers of trauma; and just as importantly, the newness, or brilliance, that life takes on as these layers are uncovered, and removed.

Though the process of removing these layers is difficult, thereโ€™s always a knowing that Iโ€™m (we are) never alone. We are all connected through our shared humanity, and the love and affinity we share for each other and our home, this beautiful planet.ย 

The poem, open hearts have healed, speaks to the truth just elaborated on; when we work through our grief, sadness, insert any other emotions here, our heart does break; and sometimes, it breaks again and again, yet there is always a healing and wholeness on the other side. It is so clear to me today, yet, as you all know, was not clear to me for a very long time.

Inside of the concept of brokenness, healing and wholeness are already there. Quite simple, yet profound as we experience this reality.

Portland

Music Millennium, Portland, Oregon

Last weekend, I took a quick trip, two nights, to Portland, for a very simple and pragmatic reason; to shop. Where I live in the Willamette Valley, letโ€™s say, shopping for clothes can be difficult.ย 

The shopping went quite well, and I also got to spend some time with Justin. We went to a lovely vegan breakfast place, called Nectar Cafe. Was delicious.

We also visited a super cool record store, Music Millennium. Awesomeness. The store is huge, and, I think, is the second largest in Portland. There are 5 different rooms, and an upstairs. I found three records, one of which is by John Coltrane. Soul stirringly beautiful.

Living Life as it Comes

As I mentioned earlier, the past couple of weeks, Iโ€™ve been reflecting on how life shows up; and how inside the experience of life showing up, we have, as leaders, as human beings on this planet, the opportunity to respond to a situation, or react.

Sometimes reaction is needed and necessary; yet, often, we can pause, breathe into life as it shows up, whatever the situation might be, reflect, and then respond.ย 

Creating a pause like this in our lives holds enormous power and potential. When we can be with life as it shows up, and hold the knowing that we can pause, breathe, reflect, and then respond; we create more possibility for ourselves and everyone around us.

As life continues to show up for you, and me, today, tomorrow, this week, this month, over the course of the next couple of months, remember, life just shows up; it just is, and we can create the space to pause, breathe, reflect, and then respond.

It is quite beautiful and inspirational, just like each of you.

Have a splendid week, everyone.


#poetry, #act, #blogger, #blogging, #breathe, #diary, #life, #masticadoresusa, #openheartshavehealed, #oregon, #pause, #poem, #poems, #portland, #reflect, #reflecting, #writing

A Bloggerโ€™s Diary 7/18/21: On the Week, Writing and Reflecting, Veggies and Blueberries, and Updating the Site and Traveling

The Week

Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash

Itโ€™s been a couple of weeks since Iโ€™ve posted a diary entry. I am excited about this entry, as Iโ€™ve got a couple of veggie pics, a blueberry picking adventure, and some news about traveling. Fun.

Last week, the team and I completed the team building I wrote about in my last diary entry. It went well. The theme of the team building was Back to the Future; yes, termed such after the movie, and the concepts we discussed were connection, continuity, and change.

We discussed these concepts because we know that there will be more change, there always is, every moment something is changing, we are all changing, yet, we also know that within this change, there is also continuity and continued connection.ย 

An important paradox to understand and be at ease with.ย 

Writing and Reflecting

The past couple of weeks, Iโ€™ve been reflecting a lot upon the internal work Iโ€™ve been engaged in these past 4 years, and how this work has shaped the man I am today. Transformational is the concept that comes to mind.

Transformational because when we look at the pain we carry, get in touch with it, work through it, we get back so much more. The only way to let go of something is to actually be in touch with it first, and to then work through it. Then, we can let it go.ย 

I imagine my poetry will always be shaped by these experiences, because they are not static, they continue today.

Veggies and Blueberries

The garden is healthy and well, and is producing, and will produce even more in the next month. Exciting.

Here are a couple of pics.

Justin and I went to a local blueberry farm last weekend, and picked almost 40 pounds of blueberries, which are one of my favorites. I eat them everyday, and enjoy them most in my evening smoothies. Delicious.

Here are a couple pics of that trip.

Updating the Site and Traveling

As I wrote about a few months ago, I will make some changes to the site this summer. Iโ€™ve already removed the videos page, as it is very outdated, and am creating a couple of new pages, and condensing some of the other pages.

At this time, I am not planning on changing the overall site theme, yet, you never know. As I work through these changes over the next two months, if something occurs differently for you, or becomes difficult for you on the site, I would love it if you would let me know. You can get my email from the contact page. Thank you.

As Iโ€™ve written about before, I am excited to travel in the coming years; and, Iโ€™m excited to share that Iโ€™ve booked my first trip. It will be to London, next May. Since Iโ€™ve been at my current job, Iโ€™ve not taken off more than a few days here and there, and am excited to be in London for 12 nights.ย 

That will be the 2022 trip, and in 2023? India; and, then in 2024, Japan. Thatโ€™s the plan anyway. We all know that plans change, yet, having a plan is important. And, then? Let the change come. Itโ€™s all okay.

Alright, thatโ€™s all for this week.

Wishing you all a beautiful coming week.


#blog, #blogger, #bloggersdiary, #blogging, #community, #diary, #gardening, #japan, #london, #travel, #uk, #update, #vegetables, #website, #writingandreflecting